US coal plant closure emphasises health benefits of cleaner air
US coal plant closure emphasises health benefits of cleaner air The Guardian
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The Benefits of Cleaner Air: A Report on the Closure of a Coal Processing Plant
Introduction
A recent study suggests that the benefits from cleaner air could be even greater than previously indicated. Researchers investigated the closure of a coal processing plant in 2016, located on Neville Island in the Ohio River near Pittsburgh, US. The closure resulted in a significant reduction in air pollution for the local communities, leading to improvements in health outcomes.
Immediate Reduction in Air Pollution
Following the closure of the coal processing plant, there was an immediate decrease in air pollution levels in the surrounding area. Sulphur dioxide decreased by 90%, arsenic by 66%, and particle pollution also improved. These changes had a positive impact on the health of the community.
Health Improvements
The closure of the plant led to a 42% decrease in emergency room visits for heart problems, with further declines observed in the following years. A similar pattern was seen in stroke cases. These improvements were not observed in control communities located away from the plant.
Real-World Experience
Testimony from the local community revealed the detrimental effects of living with air pollution, including asthma exacerbations and respiratory difficulties. The closure of the plant brought immediate changes, with residents noticing clearer skies and improved health outcomes.
Significance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The findings of this study align with several SDGs, including:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The closure of the coal processing plant resulted in significant improvements in the health of the local community.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The study highlights the need to phase out fossil fuel processing and combustion to reduce air pollution and improve human health.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Policies aimed at reducing air pollution can have immediate and long-term benefits for urban areas.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Transitioning away from fossil fuels is crucial for mitigating climate change and protecting human health.
Expert Opinions
Professor George Thurston, who led the study, emphasized the toxic nature of fossil fuel-related air pollution and the underestimation of its health impacts by policymakers. Professor Dan Greenbaum, not involved in the study, highlighted the importance of reducing air pollution to improve health outcomes.
Other Examples of Health Benefits
Several other studies have demonstrated the positive effects of reducing air pollution on health:
- A ban on the sale of smokey types of coal in Dublin resulted in a 17% reduction in deaths from breathing problems.
- A scheme to incentivize homeowners to switch away from wood heating in Launceston, Tasmania, reduced respiratory and heart-related deaths.
- Improvements in air pollution in Sweden were found to enhance children’s lung growth.
Low Emission Zones (LEZs)
Studies on low emission zones (LEZs) have shown reductions in heart and circulatory problems, including fewer hospital admissions, deaths from heart attacks and strokes, and improved blood pressure. German studies found significant reductions in heart problems and stroke cases, resulting in substantial cost savings.
Overall, this report highlights the importance of cleaner air for human health and the potential benefits of implementing sustainable policies to reduce air pollution. The findings support the Sustainable Development Goals and emphasize the need for action to protect the environment and improve public health.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Indicator: Reduction in emergency room visits for heart problems and stroke cases |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Indicator: Reduction in air pollution levels (sulphur dioxide, arsenic, particle pollution) |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator: Closure of fossil fuel processing and combustion plants |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the closure of a coal processing plant, resulting in improved air quality and significant health benefits for the local communities. This aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article highlights the reduction in air pollution and its positive impact on the local communities near the closed coal processing plant. This relates to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities, including improving air quality.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article mentions the need to phase out fossil fuel processing and combustion in cities and towns to achieve significant human health benefits. This connects to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
The closure of the coal processing plant resulted in a decrease in emergency room visits for heart problems and stroke cases, indicating progress towards reducing deaths and illnesses related to air pollution.
Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
The closure of the coal processing plant led to a significant reduction in air pollution levels, specifically sulphur dioxide, arsenic, and particle pollution. This demonstrates efforts to improve air quality and reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities.
Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The study emphasizes the need to phase out fossil fuel processing and combustion in cities and towns to achieve local and immediate human health benefits. This aligns with the target of integrating climate change measures into policies and strategies.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Reduction in emergency room visits for heart problems and stroke cases indicates progress towards Target 3.9 of reducing deaths and illnesses from air pollution.
– The decrease in air pollution levels, specifically sulphur dioxide, arsenic, and particle pollution, serves as an indicator for Target 11.6 of improving air quality.
– The closure of fossil fuel processing and combustion plants is an indicator for Target 13.2 of integrating climate change measures.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Indicator: Reduction in emergency room visits for heart problems and stroke cases |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Indicator: Reduction in air pollution levels (sulphur dioxide, arsenic, particle pollution) |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Indicator: Closure of fossil fuel processing and combustion plants |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: theguardian.com
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